Martin’s perfect streak of podium finishes in 2024 ended at the Americas Grand Prix when he was overtaken by Enea Bastianini for third place on the penultimate lap. Despite this setback, Martin maintains a 21-point lead over Bastianini going into the Spanish Grand Prix the following week.
The reigning double-world champion, Bagnaia, kicked off the season with a win at the Qatar GP but faced challenges in subsequent races. A mistake during the Portugal GP sprint race, followed by a collision, cost him a podium finish. In Austin, Bagnaia struggled with grip issues, finishing sixth in the sprint and battling chatter problems in the GP to secure fifth place, trailing Martin by 30 points.
Martin acknowledges Bagnaia as the favorite for the championship due to his past success but believes the competition is fierce this season. He identifies riders like Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta as strong contenders, emphasizing the need to remain focused and fast across all circuits.
Despite leading the championship early on, Martin remains unconcerned with his position in the standings, preferring to focus on each race individually. He expresses satisfaction with the 80 points accumulated so far and credits his team’s efforts in improving results from the previous season.
Reflecting on his performance at a track where he has struggled in the past, Martin acknowledges the significance of the points earned and the importance of maintaining a consistent performance. He highlights the satisfaction of leading the championship compared to lower positions, emphasizing the team’s focus on continuous improvement.
